Tanzania Wins Two Seats at African Union

The United Republic of Tanzania has secured two positions in the African Union elections. Prof. Kennedy Gastorn won the seat for the African Union Commission on International Law, while Mr. Benjamin Kapera secured a position on the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption.

Prof. Kennedy Gastorn received 45 out of 48 votes, while Mr. Benjamin Kapera earned 33 votes out of 48 cast during the 46th meeting of the African Union Council of Ministers.

The election took place on February 13, 2025, as the council members finalized preparations for the 38th African Union Heads of State and Government Summit scheduled for February 15-16, 2025.

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The election process also involved the presentation of candidates’ qualifications and professional backgrounds. The process was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, H.E. Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, and Tanzania’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, who also serves as Permanent Representative to the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), H.E. Innocent Shiyo.

The elected officials will represent the East African region and join members from the West, North, South, and Central regions in executing the responsibilities of these institutions. The term for the African Union Commission on International Law seat is five years, while the term for the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption is six years.

In addition to these positions, Minister Kombo also used the opportunity to present the candidate for the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, Prof. Mohamed Janab.